Page |1
CWEA Grade 1 Lab Analyst Practice Test (2026)
Instructions: Choose the best Answer for each question. Detailed rationales are provided to
reinforce foundational concepts.
Domain 1: Basic Laboratory Safety & PPE (15 Questions)
1. The minimum required personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling any
wastewater sample in the laboratory is:
A) Safety glasses, lab coat, and nitrile/latex gloves
B) A respirator and face shield only
C) Cotton gloves and a short-sleeved shirt
D) No PPE is needed if the sample looks clear
Answer: A
Rationale: Standard lab safety for wastewater includes eye protection (safety glasses), a lab coat
to protect skin/clothing, and nitrile (or latex) gloves. Wastewater contains pathogens, so gloves
are mandatory for all sample handling. Cotton gloves do not provide chemical or biological
protection.
2. Which of the following is the correct location to find hazard information about a specific
chemical you are using?
A) The chemical's purchase receipt
B) The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer
C) The lab's internet browser history
D) The chemical's storage cabinet label only
Answer: B
Rationale: The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the official OSHA-required document that lists chemical
hazards, first-aid measures, handling precautions, and required PPE. Every chemical in the lab
must have an accessible SDS.
3. If you spill a small amount of a corrosive chemical on your skin, the immediate first step is
to:
A) Neutralize it with a base (or acid) immediately
B) Flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes
C) Wipe it off with a paper towel
D) Apply a bandage and continue working
, Page |2
Answer: B
Rationale: The primary treatment for chemical burns is immediate, copious flushing with water
for a minimum of 15 minutes. The water dilutes and washes away the chemical. Neutralizing the
chemical in situ can generate heat and worsen the burn.
4. When working with a fume hood, the sash (window) should be:
A) Completely closed at all times
B) Raised as high as possible for maximum air flow
C) Pulled down to the designated operating line (usually marked) to maintain proper face
velocity
D) Removed entirely to improve visibility
Answer: C
Rationale: Fume hoods are designed to operate with the sash at a specific height (marked by a
sticker). This ensures the air is drawn into the hood at a safe capture velocity (typically 80-100
feet per minute). Operating above the line allows fumes to escape into the lab.
5. The standard biohazard symbol is used to warn of:
A) Radioactive materials
B) Flammable liquids
C) Infectious biological agents (pathogens)
D) Corrosive acids
Answer: C
Rationale: The biohazard symbol (three interlocking circles) is the universal warning for
biological hazards such as bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents. Wastewater samples
are considered biohazardous.
6. Which fire extinguisher type is appropriate for an electrical fire (e.g., a sparking
centrifuge)?
A) Class A (water)
B) Class B (foam/dry chemical)
C) Class C (carbon dioxide or dry chemical)
D) Class D (metal powder)
Answer: C
Rationale: Class C fire extinguishers are designed for electrical equipment. They use non-
conductive extinguishing agents like carbon dioxide (CO₂) or dry chemical powder. Never use
water (Class A) on an electrical fire as it can conduct electricity and cause electrocution.
, Page |3
7. In the laboratory, eating, drinking, and smoking are:
A) Permitted only at the break table
B) Permitted if you wash your hands first
C) Strictly prohibited at all times in the lab area
D) Permitted only during lunch breaks
Answer: C
Rationale: Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited in the laboratory at all times.
This prevents accidental ingestion of toxic chemicals or pathogens that may be on surfaces or in
the air. Hands must always be washed before leaving the lab.
8. What is the proper way to dispose of broken glassware?
A) Throw it into the regular trash can
B) Place it in a designated "sharps" or broken glass container lined with a heavy-duty bag
C) Wash it and reuse it
D) Bury it in the lab's outdoor waste pile
Answer: B
Rationale: Broken glass must be disposed of in a designated sharps container or a puncture-
resistant cardboard box labeled "Broken Glass." This prevents injury to custodial staff and others
handling the waste. It must never be placed in regular trash.
9. A container has the following GHS pictogram: a flame. This indicates the chemical is:
A) Toxic
B) Corrosive
C) Flammable (ignites easily)
D) An oxidizer
Answer: C
Rationale: The GHS (Globally Harmonized System) flame pictogram indicates the substance is
flammable—it can catch fire easily when exposed to heat, sparks, or open flames. (The oxidizer
pictogram is a flame over a circle).
10. When using a pipette to transfer a liquid chemical, you should:
A) Pipette by mouth using your mouth to draw the liquid
B) Use a mechanical pipette filler or bulb
C) Use a straw
D) Pour the liquid directly from the bottle into the pipette
CWEA Grade 1 Lab Analyst Practice Test (2026)
Instructions: Choose the best Answer for each question. Detailed rationales are provided to
reinforce foundational concepts.
Domain 1: Basic Laboratory Safety & PPE (15 Questions)
1. The minimum required personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling any
wastewater sample in the laboratory is:
A) Safety glasses, lab coat, and nitrile/latex gloves
B) A respirator and face shield only
C) Cotton gloves and a short-sleeved shirt
D) No PPE is needed if the sample looks clear
Answer: A
Rationale: Standard lab safety for wastewater includes eye protection (safety glasses), a lab coat
to protect skin/clothing, and nitrile (or latex) gloves. Wastewater contains pathogens, so gloves
are mandatory for all sample handling. Cotton gloves do not provide chemical or biological
protection.
2. Which of the following is the correct location to find hazard information about a specific
chemical you are using?
A) The chemical's purchase receipt
B) The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer
C) The lab's internet browser history
D) The chemical's storage cabinet label only
Answer: B
Rationale: The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the official OSHA-required document that lists chemical
hazards, first-aid measures, handling precautions, and required PPE. Every chemical in the lab
must have an accessible SDS.
3. If you spill a small amount of a corrosive chemical on your skin, the immediate first step is
to:
A) Neutralize it with a base (or acid) immediately
B) Flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes
C) Wipe it off with a paper towel
D) Apply a bandage and continue working
, Page |2
Answer: B
Rationale: The primary treatment for chemical burns is immediate, copious flushing with water
for a minimum of 15 minutes. The water dilutes and washes away the chemical. Neutralizing the
chemical in situ can generate heat and worsen the burn.
4. When working with a fume hood, the sash (window) should be:
A) Completely closed at all times
B) Raised as high as possible for maximum air flow
C) Pulled down to the designated operating line (usually marked) to maintain proper face
velocity
D) Removed entirely to improve visibility
Answer: C
Rationale: Fume hoods are designed to operate with the sash at a specific height (marked by a
sticker). This ensures the air is drawn into the hood at a safe capture velocity (typically 80-100
feet per minute). Operating above the line allows fumes to escape into the lab.
5. The standard biohazard symbol is used to warn of:
A) Radioactive materials
B) Flammable liquids
C) Infectious biological agents (pathogens)
D) Corrosive acids
Answer: C
Rationale: The biohazard symbol (three interlocking circles) is the universal warning for
biological hazards such as bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents. Wastewater samples
are considered biohazardous.
6. Which fire extinguisher type is appropriate for an electrical fire (e.g., a sparking
centrifuge)?
A) Class A (water)
B) Class B (foam/dry chemical)
C) Class C (carbon dioxide or dry chemical)
D) Class D (metal powder)
Answer: C
Rationale: Class C fire extinguishers are designed for electrical equipment. They use non-
conductive extinguishing agents like carbon dioxide (CO₂) or dry chemical powder. Never use
water (Class A) on an electrical fire as it can conduct electricity and cause electrocution.
, Page |3
7. In the laboratory, eating, drinking, and smoking are:
A) Permitted only at the break table
B) Permitted if you wash your hands first
C) Strictly prohibited at all times in the lab area
D) Permitted only during lunch breaks
Answer: C
Rationale: Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited in the laboratory at all times.
This prevents accidental ingestion of toxic chemicals or pathogens that may be on surfaces or in
the air. Hands must always be washed before leaving the lab.
8. What is the proper way to dispose of broken glassware?
A) Throw it into the regular trash can
B) Place it in a designated "sharps" or broken glass container lined with a heavy-duty bag
C) Wash it and reuse it
D) Bury it in the lab's outdoor waste pile
Answer: B
Rationale: Broken glass must be disposed of in a designated sharps container or a puncture-
resistant cardboard box labeled "Broken Glass." This prevents injury to custodial staff and others
handling the waste. It must never be placed in regular trash.
9. A container has the following GHS pictogram: a flame. This indicates the chemical is:
A) Toxic
B) Corrosive
C) Flammable (ignites easily)
D) An oxidizer
Answer: C
Rationale: The GHS (Globally Harmonized System) flame pictogram indicates the substance is
flammable—it can catch fire easily when exposed to heat, sparks, or open flames. (The oxidizer
pictogram is a flame over a circle).
10. When using a pipette to transfer a liquid chemical, you should:
A) Pipette by mouth using your mouth to draw the liquid
B) Use a mechanical pipette filler or bulb
C) Use a straw
D) Pour the liquid directly from the bottle into the pipette
